26 July 2002
In addition, Prescott told MPs, a single housing inspectorate is to replace inspection teams currently run by the corporation and the Audit Commission.
James Tickell, deputy chief executive at the National Housing Federation, said it was logical for regional bodies to fund housing, but it depended upon the pace England moved towards regional government. 'It would make sense for the corporation to remain in existence until there is a full house of regional housing executives,' he said.
Any new inspectorate would have to take account of the fact that registered social landlords are independent bodies.
'If you had a rump Housing Corporation in charge of regulation, it would lead to wasteful duplication,' added Tickell.
Norman Perry, the corporation's chief executive, said that it would argue vigorously in favour of retaining a unified system of inspecting and regulating RSLs.
PFjul2002
